ANSWERING TO THE CALL

The Ondoy Challenge 

Last September 26, 2009, the Philippines had been badly hit by Storm "Ondoy" (international name: Ketsana). The heavy rains which equaled one month's worth of rainfall left 80 percent of Metro Manila and a large part of Luzon under water. As the rain poured for twelve hours, the waters quickly rose up to a maximum of 20 feet in some areas, killing 240 people so far and displacing around half a million. Some people were left stranded on top of their houses' roofs without food and water for more than 48 hours after the deluge. Some areas were left in waist-deep water while the rest of the metropolis was covered with sludge and mud. Rescued victims were temporarily housed in schools, open-air gymnasiums and makeshift evacuation camps where supplies for food, water and clothes is short. There was also dire need for medicines as the murky and dirty water threatened the spread of disease. 

We at Uplift Movement did our best to address the needs of our countrymen. We believed that it was the perfect time to UPLIFT our people. We served 100 families in Payatas and we hoped to help at least 100 families in other areas.  

Below are the programs which we plan to execute: 

1. Immediate Needs - water and cooked food for one week, blankets, underwear, simple shirts and shorts
2. Medical Mission - medicines for colds, cough, fever and diarrhea with doctors' consultation 
3. Operation Linis - cleaning materials and disinfectants  
4. Word of Encouragement 

.........................................................................................................................................

OPERATION AHON BAHA: The Ondoy Challenge (DAY3) 

Location: Bulacan Street, Payatas, QC  

Date: October 2, 2009  

On Day3, we went to Bulacan Street in Payatas. We worked with Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF) Payatas and were helped by JZone (CCF Youth Ministry), New Jerusalem Youth, Jesus Over Youth Ministries and many other volunteers (bless your hearts!). Our operations was held in the Baranggay Hall. We gave relief goods to 160 families and ministered to around 400 individuals. Around 82 people were given medical assistance. We were helped by two additional volunteer doctors from CCF namely Dr. Susan Garcia and Dr. Jay Encarnacion. 275 people were fed by the team. We served them rice with sweet and sour egg, sandwiches and ginataang halo-halo (a snack based on coconut milk with bananas and rootcrops). Yum-yum! We implemented a system called “Uplift Privilege Money” which came in the form of stubs. Each family was given these stubs which had price value. We put up an outlet of clothes where the people could “buy” clothing using the stubs we gave out. The stub can be used to exchange with whatever goods they choose from the outlet, while supplies last. We talked to the people about Jesus and shared the gospel with them. It’s true that tragedy can make hearts soft towards the message of salvation. Some people were even asking for Bibles. We pray that the Word of God planted in their hearts will bear fruit at the right time. Our 3-Day Operation Ahon Baha was indeed a blessed experience. We believe that more than the victims of Ondoy, we, the volunteers were blessed beyond compare. God willing, we’ll try to do this mission every week! Truly, we will continue to extend a helping hand. That’s because nothing beats sharing and giving. Nothing beats unconditional love. Right? Right.  

.........................................................................................................................................

OPERATION AHON BAHA: The Ondoy Challenge (DAY2) 

Location: Baranggay Ampid, San Mateo, Rizal 

Date: October 1, 2009 

On the 2nd day of our mission, we went to Baranggay Ampid, San Mateo, Rizal. We worked together with Kids’ World Christian Academy. The people were most eager to see us there. We gave relief goods to 100 families. 63 availed of medical services and medicines. We fed more than 300 people rice, munggo (beans), pansit (stir-fried noodles) and sandwiches. The food for them was heavenly! We also shared to them the gospel. Souls were very much open to God’s Word. It’s amazing to witness the mighty moving of God in that place. We know that with the simple service that we rendered them, the victims of Ondoy were blessed. Indeed, this experience will never be replaced in our hearts. 

.........................................................................................................................................

TESTIMONIES

Barrio Bagong Silangan, Payatas  

Date: September 30, 2009 

Story1 (Man) 

Tatlo po kami. Yung kapitbahay ko na-rescue na. Ito po yung picture ng asawa ko (shows picture). Yung katabing bahay namin, marami kami doon. Mga 13 kami doon kasama ng mga bata. Nung time na bumigay na ung rooftop, tumalon na po kami. Nung umabot na kami ng 200 metro, may nakapitan na ako noon na kahoy na nakuha sa poste. Doon ko na pinakapit yung asawa ko at ung kapitbahay ko kasi humingi rin ng saklolo dahil hindi marunong lumangoy. Nang approaching na kme sa San Mateo Bridge, yung kapitbahay ko ay nasagip yung kamay niya. Ang kwento niya sa akin, ung misis ko nakabitaw nung sa ilalim ng tulay. Ako po, sumuot na sa ilalim ng tulay sa kalakasan ng baha. Nung lumabas na ako sa ilalim ng tulay, napakalayo na ng nilabasan ko. Halos 150 metro ang nilabasan ko. Hanggang ngayon hindi pa po namin nakikita [yung asawa ko]. Naikot na po namin Marikina at Pasig. Tumutulong pa yung utol ko sa paghahanap. Ang sabi nga nila marami nga raw bangkay kaso hindi ma-identify dahil lasog-lasog na ung katawan ng mga nakitang bangkay. Kung sino man po ang kumukupkop o nakapansin, ang palatandaan lang niya ay may basag pong ngipin sa harap. Dalawang ngipin ang natanggal sa harap. May silver na design sa gilid ng ngipin niya. Ang edad niya 52 anyos tapos mahina po ang pandinig, mahina rin po magsalita. Ang paniwala ko po, hindi pa po katapusan ng tao dahil marami pong hindi marunong lumangoy na nakaligtas din po. Kung may awa ang Panginoon na mabuhay pa siya, baka may chansa pang magbagong buhay. Siguro ito ang kabayaran sa kasalanan ng tao.  

There were three of us. My neighbor got rescued already. This is the picture of my wife (shows picture). There were plenty of us in the adjacent house. There were around 13 of us there including children. When the rooftop gave way, we jumped already. When we reached 200 meters, we got hold of a large piece of wood from a post. That’s where I let my wife hold on to and also my neighbor who asked for help because she couldn’t swim. When we were approaching the San Mateo Bridge, my neighbor’s hand was caught and she got saved. She relayed to me that my wife lost her grip when she was under the bridge. As for me, I went under the bridge at the height of the floods. When I came out of the bridge, I was already far off. Around 150 meters away. Up to now, we still haven’t seen my wife. We’ve already gone around Marikina and Pasig. My brother is also helping in the search. The people are saying that many cadavers can’t be identified because the bodies which have been seen are already badly bruised. Whoever is looking after or have noticed my wife, she’s identified by her broken front teeth. Two of her front teeth have been removed. There’s a silver design at the side edges of her teeth. She’s 52 years old, weak in hearing and soft in speech. In my belief, it’s not the end of a human being because many of those who cannot swim have survived. If God in His mercy will grant that she still lives, maybe there’s a chance to live a new and better life. Maybe this tragedy is the payment for the sins of man.  

Story2 (Lady)  

Yung mga pamangkin ko kse, magkakasama sila sa isang bubong. Sampu silang lahat. Tinangay sila ng agos. Yung pamangkin ko naman, nilagay yung bata dito (balikat). Tumalon na rin ung babae kong pamangkin, nanghingi ng tulong. Nanghingi kami ng tulong, wala talaga kaming nahingian ng tulong. Doon sa inanod ng agos, dalawang pamangkin kong lalaki ay nakaligtas. Yung anim na bata, atsaka yung asawa at ung bayaw niyang isa, patay silang lahat. Walo sila. Hindi pa po namin sila nakikita hanggang ngayon. Apat pa lang ang nakuha namin na patay. Kaya humihingi kami ng tulong ngayon. Hindi na raw namin makikilala ung patay dahil mabaho na raw eh. Limang magkakapatid na bata, tatlo pa lang nakukuha namin. Yung anim na buwan at tatlong taon wala pa. Atsaka isang anim na taon, di pa namin nakukuha. Kaya humihingi kami ng tulong na makita man lang sila. Kailangan na sa suot na lang na damit makikita kse ung ibang pinuntahan namin, hindi na makilala ung mukha. Lumuwa na ung mata, hindi na makilala. Walo ang nakuha sa amin, apat ang missing ngayon. 

My niece and nephews were all together in one roof. There were ten of them. They were washed away by the waves. My other nephew placed a child here (points to shoulders). My other niece jumped to get some help. We asked for help but there was none to help us. For those who were carried away by the waves, two of my nephews were saved. Six children, the spouse and the bro-in-law, were all dead. There were eight of them. We haven’t seen them until now. There are just four bodies we’ve recovered. That’s why we’re asking help now. They say we won’t be able to recognize the cadavers because they’re stinking already. 

Out of five siblings that are children, only three have been recovered. The six-months old and the three-year old are still missing. And the six-year old, we still haven’t recovered. That’s why we’re asking help to find them. We have to identify them by their clothes because in the places where we’ve searched, we can’t identify the faces. Their eyes have popped out. Eight have been taken from us. Four are missing now.  

Story3 (Man)  

Naghintay kasi kami ng rescue, wala namang dumating na rescue eh. Magkakasama kami noon. Gutom, umaga tanghali wala kaming kain. Tapos ginaw. Ang lamig talaga. Sobrang nanginig na talaga ung kamay namin. Sabi ko “Baba na tayo” kasi masyado nang delikado. Tapos ung kapatid ko, hindi ko napansin eh. Lumipat sa kabilang lugar. Siguro sa sobrang pagod din kse marami rin siyang natulungan, nagpahinga siguro. Nadaganan siya ng pader eh. Ang hirap ng kalalagayan namin. Wala na kaming matirahan ngayon. Lubog talaga. Sira. Tapos puro putik.  

Pagkatapos naming ilabas yung kapatid at nanay namin, hindi pa kami umalis kasi maraming nanghihingi ng tulong. Maraming sumisigaw ng “Tulungan niyo kami!” Sabi ko huwag muna, kasi wala kaming kaalam-alam sa rescue na yan. Wala tayong training sa mga ganyan. Wala na kaming choice kse tumaas nang tumaas ung tubig. Walang dumating na rescue. Kaya simula noon sabi ko sa barkada ko, “Pare, tulungan na natin!” Wala pang nag-provide samin ng mga tali. Buti nakakita kami ng mga mahahabang kawayan. Tinali namin un. Tapos ung hose ng tubig na kulay itim, mahaba rin. Nakuha namin. Yun ung ginamit namin para may mahawakan ung mga tao. Tapos may nakita kaming naglulutangan na container, mga takip, yun nakatulong din. Hanggang wala na kaming nakitang nanghihingi ng tulong. Kasi ung ibang nanghihingi ng tulong, sobrang layo, hindi na namin maabot kasi walang bangka atsaka malakas ung agos. Yung kapatid ko, hindi pa rin nagpahinga. Lumipat siya ng ibang lugar. Mga kakilala niya rin ung sinamahan niya. Wala na akong balita pagkatapos nun. Hanap ako ng hanap nung gabi. Kinabukasan ko na lang nalaman na nadisgrasya talaga siya.  

We waited for rescue but none came. We were all together then. We were hungry because we didn’t eat morning and noontime. We were cold. It was so cold, our hands were shivering. I said, “Let’s go down, it’s too dangerous.” As for my sibling, I didn’t notice him. He transferred to another place. Maybe he was too tired because he rescued a lot of people. Maybe he rested. He was brought down by a wall. Our situation is very hard. We don’t have a house. It was really submerged in water. And also muddy.  

After we brought out my other sibling and mother, we didn’t leave yet because many were still asking for help. Many were shouting, “Help us!” I said let’s not help yet because we know nothing about rescuing. We don’t have training for that. But we didn’t have any choice because the waters rose quickly and no rescue came. That’s why I said to my friends, “Pal, let’s help them.” No one even provided for us ropes. It’s a good thing we saw long bamboos. We tied those. Also, we got hold of a long black water hose. We used that so that the people would have something to hold on to. Then we saw floating containers and caps. That helped too. Until there weren’t any people to help anymore. Some people asking for help were too far away, we couldn’t reach them because we didn’t have a small boat and the flood waters was strong. My brother still didn’t rest. He transferred to another place. He went with those he knew. I didn’t have any news afterwards. I kept on looking for him that night. It was only the following day that I learned that he fell into tragedy. 

Story4 (Man)  

Naanod ung mag-iina ko. Nakaligtas ung asawa ko pero ung dalawang anak ko hindi nakaligtas. Patay po ung dalawa kong anak. Ung isa hindi pa nakikita. Ung isa nakita na sa Pasig. Masakit tanggapin ung ganun. Eleven atsaka 13 ung mga anak ko. Nung nangyari un, wala ako, nasa trabaho ako. Nung umuwi ako, wala na sila diyan eh. Pati ung bahay wala na. Inanod na.  

My family were taken away by the waters. My wife survived but my two children did not. They died. One of them is still missing. The other one, we found in Pasig. What happened is to painful to accept. My children were 11 and 13 years old. When the disaster happened, I wasn’t around. I was at work. When I came home, my family wasn’t there. Even our house was gone. It was taken away by the flood.  

Story5 (Lady) 

Maraming maraming salamat po at tinulungan niyo kami kasi dun po sa lugar namin, hindi lahat nabibigyan ng chance para mabigyan. Kasi naka-focus po sila sa mga namatayan kaya lang buong Silangan binaha siya. Kaya lang ung sa street namin, hindi nabigyan ng kaukulang pansin rin. Kaya maraming maraming salamat po sa inyo. Nakatikim po kami ng tulong galing sa inyo. Kasi sobrang hirap po ng dinadanas namin doon kapag kumukuha kami ng pagkain sa baranggay. Nandiyan ung ipitin ka. Nandiyan ung madaganan ka. Tapos napagsabihan pa kami na walang disiplina. Syempre po sa mga taong nagugutom, siyempre nawawala ung disiplina. Lalo na nung kauna-unahang araw na nagdala ng relief goods sa amin. Pipila ka rito, pipila ka roon, hahabulin mo tapos wala kasi ung pila ayaw umayos. Kaya maraming maraming salamat po. Dito, hindi na kami masyadong nahirapan.  

Thank you very much that you helped us because in our place, not everyone is given a chance to be given aid. Those who have dead family members are given priority. Only that the whole Barrio Bagong Silangan was flooded. Our street wasn’t given necessary attention. That’s why we thank you very very much. We got a taste of help that came from you. We go through difficulty whenever we get food from the barangay (village or district). We get pressed. We get bogged down. We were even told that we didn’t have discipline. Of course, when people are hungry, it’s possible that we forget to be disciplined. Especially on the first day when relief goods were brought to us. We’d fall in line here and there. We’d run after them but in the end, there’s nothing to get because the line wasn’t organized. That’s why we thank you very much. Here with your help, we didn’t have much difficulty.  

 

.........................................................................................................................................

OPERATION AHON BAHA: The Ondoy Challenge

Location: Barrio Bagong Silangan, Payatas

Date: September 30, 2009 

Nothing can compare with the recent Medical Mission experience we had. 

At 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 30, 2009, the Uplift Ahon Baha Team arrived at Barrio Bagong Silangan in Payatas, Quezon City. We proceeded to Peacemaker International Christian Academy (PICA), a community school where the victims of the flood have gathered – awaiting for whatever help would come. These people were transported to the school by volunteer teachers who themselves were affected by the flood. The crowd got excited when they reached the place. Even the children played in the area, in anticipation for the good that’s going to come their way. 

We talked to the people and gave them inspiring words. Pastor Bong Saquing shared with them that he himself was devastated by the storm but that he was just there in Payatas, by God’s grace, to give whatever he can give, not because he is rich but because God’s love compels him to love others. He explained to them that the relief we were bringing them was actually given by several organizations namely the Uplift Movement Foundation, PICA and Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF). 

We fed the people boiled egg, fish sauce (bagoong) and rice. The crowd was so happy to receive such glorious food! Some were saying, “Ito ang totoong pagkain!” [This is real food!] One man was even shivering both out of fatigue and out of exuberance saying, “May awa ang Diyos!” [God is merciful!] 

We shared to them the love of God. We let them know that Jesus died on the cross for them. We reminded them that death and tragedy come unexpectedly. But that they can expect the love of God for them to be permanent and everlasting. 

At the end of our four hour mission, we were exhausted yet very happy for having reached out to these people who were very eager to receive us. We were able to give relief goods to 100 families. We fed about 250 people. Approximately 150 people were given medication and around 30 underwent counseling. 

We know in our hearts that there are still more Filipinos who need help and relief from the devastation caused by typhoon Ondoy. Our medical mission was just a simple outreach to one of the many towns that were flooded. But we know that our efforts will not be left forgotten. We know we have touched the hearts of these people in the simplest way we can. That is our inspiration. That is our joy. 

 

 

.........................................................................................................................................

Uplift answers to the call for aid by extending our help to the victims of the storm. We seek your assistance in such a time as this. We know that your kindness to the needy will be richly rewarded by our Father in heaven. Assistance in any form (cash or in kind) will be welcome. Thank you. 

 

DONORS

AS OF November 17, 2009 (TUESDAY) 

Cash

1. Lita Abanilla - USD100 

AS OF October 23, 2009 (FRIDAY) 

Food & Other Groceries

1. RHL Properties 

AS OF October 21, 2009 (WEDNESDAY) 

Food, Medicines & Other Groceries

1. Angel Interiors & Construction Corp. (Paul Galang) 

AS OF October 20, 2009 (TUESDAY) 

Cash

1. Vic & Nena Carandang - P3,000 

AS OF October 17, 2009 (SATURDAY) 

Food/Beverages

1. Linda Aquino - alkali water 

AS OF October 10, 2009 (SATURDAY) 

Clothes

1. M Jack - with shoes 

AS OF October 9, 2009 (FRIDAY) 

Medicines

1. Felix Salvador - worth P2,000 

AS OF October 8, 2009 (THURSDAY) 

Cash

1. Zaldy Realubit - P2,500
2. Raymond Pangilinan - P2,000 

AS OF October 7, 2009 (WEDNESDAY) 

Clothes

1. Odette Molina 

AS OF October 3, 2009 (SATURDAY)  

Clothes

1. Joey & Lyn Magat 

AS OF September 30, 2009 (WEDNESDAY) 

Food

1. FGU Builders
2. Day Skin 

Medicines

1. Getz Pharma
2. Bong Saquing
3. Day Skin 

Other Groceries

1. Tess Labra
2. Frank & Yolly Ubaldo
3. Day Skin 

Clothes

1. FGU Builders 

Cash

1. Frank & Yolly Ubaldo - P5000
2. Hardware Plus - P2000
3. Alice Morales - P2000 

Services

1. Felix Salvador - car services
2. Jesus Over Youth Ministries - Diana Balisbis, Joana Chang, Kris Bonamy
3. Alvarez Family - Arvic, Arvel, Arvin
4. Labra Family - Tess, Krystoffer, Krystine, Krystiane
5. Odette Molina
6. Jonhel Ampil
7. Roger Solayao
8. Ronnel Vigilante 

AS OF October 1, 2009 (THURSDAY) 

Food

1. Tess Labra
2. Frank & Yolly Ubaldo 

Other Groceries

1. Tess Labra
2. Frank & Yolly Ubaldo 

Clothes

1. Frank & Yolly Ubaldo 

Cash

1. RCT* - P25,000
2. Anonymous - P20,000
3. AG* - P2,500
4. Rizaldy Relubit - P2000 

Services

1. Labra Family - Tess, Krystoffer, Krystine, Krystiane
2. Olan Ignacio
3. Odette Molina
4. Beth Cruel
5. Arnold Pilande
6. Roger Solayao 

AS OF October 2, 2009 (FRIDAY) 

Food

1. Maria Prencita Gutierrez
2. Elena Dimarucot
3. Tess Labra
4. Rovel Alvarez
5. Joey & Lyn Magat 

Medicines

1. Maria Prencita Gutierrez
2. Ave Gaspar
3. Felix Salvador - worth P2000 

Other Groceries

1. Elena Dimarucot
2. Aurora Juan
3. Ms. Jolly (c/o Grace Bible Study Group) 

Clothes

1. Dale & Jochx Gutierrez
2. Maria Prencita Gutierrez
3. Aurora Gaspar
4. Adenauer Gaspar
5. Joey & Lyn Magat 

Cash

1. Aurora Juan - P5000 

Services

1. Labra Family - Tess, Krystoffer, Krystine, Krystiane
2. Jesus Over Youth Ministries (c/o Andy Manalo) - Diana Balisbis, Kris Bonamy, Joana Chang, Grace Ang, Carl Lim, Andre Go
3. Ms. Virgie (c/o Grace Bible Study Group)
4. NEW JERUSALEM YOUTH - Art, Junin, Girlie, Kevin, Charles, Jeff, Karlo Dario Pinili, RMT
5. JZone Pinoy
6. Dr. Jay Encarnacion
7. Dr. Susan Garcia
8. Arnold Pilande
9. Ronnel Vigilante
10. Roger Solayao
11. Elena Dimarucot 

 

*Note: Names in initials prefer to remain anonymous